The group behind the Piano Works in Farringdon, London, is opening its second site, Studio 88, in Leicester Square this month.

Studio 88 – named after the 88 keys on a keyboard - will be one of only two venues in London to offer non-stop, late-night live music based solely on audience requests alongside its sister site the Piano Works.

The 12,000sq ft Whitcomb Street venue, located just off Wardour Street in the heat of London’s West End, was acquired by House of Song through CDG Leisure.

Designed by Libby Watson Theatre Design, Studio 88 features a raised performance area with two grand pianos and space for a six-piece house band to headline. With the help of sound specialists W1 Productions, and Olivier award winning lighting designer Mike Robertson, the venue will deliver immersive, late-night performances.

The venue also has its own area for private and corporate functions - The Blue Room – which is a separate space for 100 guests, including its own bar and grand piano.

Studio 88 founder and MD Alan Lorrimer commented: “With the number of London’s live music venues in decline (50 venues have shut their doors for good since 2007) we are delighted to be opening our second live music venue in the very heart of the capital.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people who supported our application to open, including The Music Venue Trust, the Mayor of London’s office, The Songwriting Academy, our musicians and our neighbours. We want to play our part in ensuring London continues to provide a world-class music offer.”

Studio 88 will serve experimental cocktails from its Autograph Collection, which features theatre-themed drinks based around famous music and film studios including Pinewood, Abbey Road and Hitsville USA - Motown’s first headquarters. On top of this, and a broad collection of wines, spirits and beers, the venue will serve House of Song’s ‘Signature Collection’ – which features classics such as the Almond and Hazelnut Sour and the Pornstar Martini.

California cones are the venue's main culinary attraction, with fillings including miso pork and shitake mushrooms.